Le Marche - Italy's Hidden Gem just waiting for you to discover! (Le Marche)

Member Name: saramar

Product:	Le Marche
Date:	28/01/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stunning scenery, wildlife aplenty, peace and tranquillity & so much to see & do.

Disadvantages: None so far!

We first ventured out into the stunning wilderness of Le Marche in the Autumn of 2001 and immediately fell in love with the area. The peace and tranquillity, honesty and friendliness of the locals and the beautiful scenery around every corner is such a refreshing relief and this little gem we stumbled upon has lured us back time and time again.

Everything feels so safe - keys left in cars parked in the local town, its almost as if Marche is stuck in time 30 years behind the rest of the world! The amazing Sibillini National Park is a walkers paradise and there are endless miles of trails for hiking, cycling and horse riding. Opened in 1994, the park covers nearly 2 million acres with some of the highest mountains in the Appennines, (Monte Vettore being the highest at 2,476m).

Nature lovers will love looking out for the natives - we have spotted golden eagles, porcupines, black squirrels, jays, pine martins, wild boar, praying mantis, foxes, hares, deer, greater spotted and green woodpeckers, little owls and hoopoes just to mention a few!

Hill top towns and villages a plenty to explore and there are weekly colourful festivals throughout the year which are a delight - a visit to the Quintana in Ascoli Piceno in August is a must. For historians and art lovers there are museums and churches to visit all around.

The wide sandy beaches of Grottammare and San Benedetto are so inviting in the Summer months and the Corneo National Park is simply beautiful.

If you are feeling adventurous why not take a hike up to the high mountain lake Lago di Pilato, where according to legend Pilate's body was dumped. Legend tells us how Pontius Pilate, whilst awaiting execution, asked that fate decided his final resting place. His corpse was sent unescorted from the gates of Rome on a wagon. The oxen made their way to the Sibilline Mountains, straight up to the lake, where they dived in and disappeared. Small rare shrimps turn the lake pink in the summer months - some say it represents the blood of Pilate!

So, if you are looking for a tranquil place full of legends and history, where you are surrounded by beautiful scenery and nature all around, look no further - visit Le Marche.

Summary: For a real get-away-from-it all holiday, a trip to Le Marche is a must.